The holiday shopping season hasjust begun, so you still have plenty of time to buy. So between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don’t forget about Small Business Saturday tomorrow, Nov. 24.

What is Small Business Saturday? Quite simply, it’s a push to shop at local and small brick-and-mortar shops. And we have plenty of those not only in Tupelo, but across Northeast Mississippi, from stores and boutiques in downtowns to small shopping center.

Lowest gas prices in Belden, Fulton today

In the Daily Journal’s weekly survey of area gas stations, we found the lowest price at $3.09, available in Fulton and Belden.

The highest price is in Booneville, at $3.24

More prices at link below

Protesters show up at Walmart on West Main

At least a half-dozen people in Tupelo showed up to join the nationwide protest against Walmart.

At 8 this morning, six people were in the grassy area next to the main parking lot entrance to protest Walmart’s low pay, benefits and “retaliation” against employees “speaking out.”

We were there for about 40 minutes. Two Walmart associates were supposed to join them, but we didn’t stay long enough to see if they did.

National organizers say more than 100 protests and walkouts were planned today, with more than 1,000 protests having happened since earlier this month when the movement started. Don’t know if there were any walkouts at the Tupelo Walmart.

Helping to organize the protest in Tupelo – and joining it as well – were at least two locals: the Rev. James Hull and Bob Spencer. Both carried signs and expressed their support for “justice” for Walmart employees.

We’ll have more in tomorrow’s Daily Journal.

Black Friday update
Toys R Us, Sears and Walmart opened their doors at 8 p.m Thursday, and The Mall at Barnes Crossing opened at midnight. Yes, there were long lines, yes there was the usual frantic crush of people at many stores.

Seems all was good, more or less, at Old Navy, where the line was long but security was indeed provided.

We heard that the $20 boots at Belk were a big hit. Big enough to cause a little rumble in the shoe department. I understand there are a few videos on Facebook floating around.

Anyway, early this morning, the crowds were thinner, but were growing again by mid-morning at the mall. Mall General Manager Jeff Snyder said the mall at midnight was as packed as it’s ever been, and it’s shaping up to be a record turnout for Black Friday weekend.

Downtown stores started opening at 8 a.m, and shoppers were making their way there as well. Another popular stop was the Tupelo Flea Market.